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Blackbird 12.5" Tonearm: revised with DIN Connector.

Blackbird 12.5" Tonearm: revised with DIN Connector

http://newartvinyl.ru/board/detali_proigryvatelja/tonarm_black_bird12_5_5pin/7-1-0-53

If tempted, write them, you will find them to be very enthusiastic. I recommend them without hesitation.

Elliott

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Manufacturing Blackbird Video

http://newartvinyl.ru/news/izgotovlenie_tonarma_newartvinyl_black_bird12_5_carbon_chjornyj_aist/2018...

COST: (not direct comparison, just to say you can get a very nice long arm for not too much money)

75,000 rubles is $1,025. USD.

Used 12" Clearaudio, $6,700.

https://tmraudio.com/shop-new/vinyl/tonearms/clearaudio-universal-12-tonearm-new-w-full-warranty/

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MY BLACKBIRD:

I bought an earlier Russian Blackbird 12.5" effective length Tonearm, for my Vintage TT, shown here:

https://systems.audiogon.com/users/elliottbnewcombjr

Against sensible advice, I risked it. As I hoped, they are really good people, I am glad I did. Excellent friendly communication; made me a custom spacer needed for the height of Vintage JVC TT81 above the plinth.

Installation of that early version (they still offer it) gave me lack of sleep. I had to strip and solder 5 of the most delicate litz wires I ever encountered into a junction box. And then transport from shop to Plinth and install without tearing the little litz wires apart. Not for the average handyman, I had to learn new tricks. Whew, did it!

I told them repeatedly: they were nuts, they would sell a lot more of these if they would make it with a DIN connection. They finally did.

.................................

What I like (aside from true 12.5" length):

Now: locate and drill a small hole. Simple Linn/Jelco base surface mount. Plug in Din cable, above board, easy access!

Attach cartridge to the brass plate. The easiest mount/overhang/null alignment I ever did.

Micrometer for precise arm height: /VTA/SRA adjustment. Not while playing, but very precise incremental vertical movement. Leave Micrometer in the base, or remove after setup. (Adjust VTA while playing: the Acos Lustre GST 801 is superb).

Underslung Counterweight, Clearaudio says about theirs:

" The counter-weight is underslung providing an optimal center of gravity and allowing fine adjustment of the tracking force."

Anti-Skate: gravity: dangling weight.


elliottbnewcombjr
elliottbnewcombjr OP
5,090 posts
 
schubert

1. revised version has a din connector pre-wired on the base plate

2. early version (mine) has 5 miniature litz wires that need to be soldered to either rca or din or ....

Phono cables above the base are much easier to install/change, but dust covers often need a notch cut in them. 

I mounted their rca junction box using semi-permanent tape on the top of my plinth and cut a notch in my dust cover. I could have mounted it on the rear edge out of sight, but then the litz wires would be more vulnerable.


billwojo
397 posts
 
Looks like they finally listened to you Elliott. I remember when you were doing that setup. No way would I want to solder those wires.
I've seen and heard that tonearm in Elliott's setup and it's very nice indeed.
BillWojo
elliottbnewcombjr OP
5,090 posts
 
Bill,

stop working so hard and come visit!!!
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,152 posts
 
Sort of reminds me of WW II. The Russians are still doing things the old manual method while at SME production is almost entirely CNC. But the old manual machines are a dime a dozen and if you know what you are doing almost as good, just takes more time. I would go for the 9" version.
I sort of believe humans are the same everywhere, same basic set of instincts.  The real problem is with those who seek to gain power. It is no different here in the states. We need term limits and campaign finance reform. You should get votes by appealing to individuals not international conglomerates.
elliottbnewcombjr OP
5,090 posts
 
I just noticed, this 14" arm has their RCA Junction Box pre-wired on the UNDERSIDE of the pivot plate. 

http://newartvinyl.ru/board/detali_proigryvatelja/tonarm_long_life_14/7-1-0-45

That requires a lot of clearance below, mine is ON a plinth, so: I bought that box as a separate item, stripped the 5 litz wires, soldered the tiny things, mounted the box myself separately on the plinth near the tonearm. I shake my head every time I think about it. The chances of it going poorly, then what? It was a big risk. Pre-wired DIN, very little risk.

I’m sure they would make your preference, RCA or DIN in any length if asked.
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